The Composition Axiom

Abstract

From the previous chapter we have learned that the result of a successful transaction is the creation of a P-fact. Conversely, every original new fact in the P-world is brought about as the result of a successful transaction. The question that we will address in this chapter is how these facts are interrelated. Let us, as an example, look at the manufacturing of a bicycle. As everyone knows, manufacturing a bicycle is not one (atomic) act, like switching on your desk lamp. Instead, it is an assembly of a number of parts. Next, it is useful to distinguish between atomic parts and subassemblies. An atomic part cannot be disassembled; examples are a bolt and a nut. Most parts of a bicycle, like the lamps and the chains, are subassemblies. So, a bicycle can conveniently be conceived as a tree structure of parts, both atomic parts and subassemblies, as exhibited in Fig. 11.1.